Finding a kennel or pet setter for Spring Break is your best bet to keep your pet safe and sound while you’re enjoying your time away.

 

It’s here! The first day of Spring, that time of year when the cold is officially behind you - barring any crazy lingering weather systems. Flowers are blooming and you’re dusting off your luggage in preparation for Spring Break. For us humans, this can mean fun in the sun and savoring the longer days of Spring. But if you’re a pet parent it also means time away from your four-legged family members.

As much as you consider your dog or cat a part of the family that should be with you all the time, it can be hard to find pet-friendly stays during peak travel times. The worst part is the lingering feeling of guilt that comes with saying goodbye for more than a couple of days. Your trip turns into thoughts of what your pet is up to, and if they’re missing you as much as you miss them.

This is when you need a paw-some kennel or purr-fessional sitter. Boarding your pets has a lot of benefits, especially the peace of mind you have knowing they’re getting pampered, plenty of playtime, and all the attention they deserve.

Below, are five tips that will help you and your furry best friend both have a safe, enjoyable, and guilt-free Spring Break. With the help of professionals, yes - you can savor that sunset walk on the beach knowing your cat or dog is having their very own, totally paw-some vacation, too!

Life’s Abundance pet foods are immune-supporting and help your pet’s digestion - both good things when you’re prepping them for a vacation of their own.

5 Tips for Spring Break Boarding for Pets

Whether you’re looking at kennels or a pet sitter, these things apply to any situation when it comes to boarding your pet for Spring Break.

1. Don’t paws on booking early.
   There’s nothing more frustrating than finding a good hotel and thinking “Great, I found it. I’ll book it next week when I have more time,” - only to find that next week, it’s completely booked up. The same can happen for good kennels and sitters. So once you have your dates confirmed, make a reservation for your pet ASAP. The best kennels and sitters fill up quickly, especially during holidays.
2. Update your pet’s vaccination records.
   After 2020, you’ve probably had your fill of vaccination talk, but this tip is important. It’s common for kennels to require additional vaccines or shots before your pet can stay with them. And sitters want to be assured they’re not staying with a rabid pet (that could end in a lawsuit!). Ask your kennel if there are any new requirements for your pet to safely stay with them and give them your pet’s most up-to-date vaccination records from your vet.
3. Clearly mark your pet’s medications.
   It can be hard to remember to take your own medications and supplements, let alone remembering your pet’s meds (there’s an app for that, btw!). So if your pet needs meds while you’re gone, make sure there is enough to cover your trip dates. You also want to clearly mark them with dosing instructions and your vet’s info in case of any emergencies.
4. Prep with an immune-supportive diet.
   Ok, let’s get real - tummy-related issues from traveling are no fun #MontezumasRevenge. The disruption in schedules, trying new foods, and dehydration are all culprits resulting in longer than usual bathroom visits while on vacation. And pets can experience this, too! To remedy potential problems, start feeding your pet a wholesome, fiber-rich diet for cats or dogs a few weeks before your trip. This will help their digestion and keep things regular while you’re gone - and your pet sitters will thank you!
5. Pack enough foods and treats.
   When we’re on vacation we tend to overinduldge on our favorite treats so it only seems fair to allow your pets to induldge a bit as well. So make sure you pack plenty of food and treats for your pet’s entire stay, plus a few extra days if your travel plans are delayed (or you decide you need an extra day to decompress in Cancun). Spoil your pet even while you’re away with a nutritious treat that has an irresistible flavor.

It also doesn’t hurt to leave a detailed letter for whoever is watching over your pet during this time, so they know exactly what their needs are and can reach you for any questions or concerns. If you take the time to follow these tips and plan ahead, your pet will feel more secure even when you’re not right there with them.

Most importantly – you can enjoy your Spring Break knowing that your beloved pet is in good hands. After all this hard work, it should be nothing but fun times once you reach your final destination, wherever that may be this Spring!

 

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Begin your day with a with a plant-based moisturizer that will make you feel good about what you’re putting on your skin.

Some of the most famous, powerful people swear and live by their routines. Even Oprah says she can’t start her day without her morning meditation and sweat session. Let’s see how she’s living her best life:

• 7am-9am: Wake up, wash, walk the dogs
• 9am-10am: Meditation, breakfast, exercise
• 10am-12pm: Work
• 12pm: Lunch with Stedman <3
• 1pm-5pm: Work
• 6pm-8pm: Dinner
• 9-10pm: Reading, tea
• 10pm: Bath, bed

Pretty simple, right? It’s amazing how much she accomplishes in one day with an easy schedule like this. But that’s just it - studies show building habits with easy, manageable steps are the key to stressing less and better overall health.[1]

That’s because having a routine combats a range of everyday challenges like bad sleep habits, eating the wrong foods, and pushing off the gym for something else. With a routine, you have the stability and ability to enjoy more of life (even if you don’t have a Stedman of your own).

 

Where do you start with building a routine?

Mornings are a great place to start your daily routine.Try this one morning: at sunrise, after your alarm goes off, brush your teeth and add in a simple skincare routine. Now you're officially on your way to becoming the next Oprah - exact results not guaranteed…

All jokes aside, your brain reacts to your skincare routine similarly to when you indulge in a facial or massage.[2] So with a skincare routine like this, you get more of those feel-good, mood-boosting endorphins first thing in the morning.

Studies show a simple morning routine can have several stress-busting benefits.

3 Steps to a Stress-Free Morning Skincare Routine

Your morning skincare routine should focus on prevention and protection for the day ahead. Most dermatologists agree there are three basic steps to an effective skincare routine*:

1. To simplify your skincare, start with a gentle, yet effective, plant-based cleanser. Try a cream with natural antioxidants like pomegranate seed that are sure to leave your skin feeling nourished and soothed.
2. Follow this up with a toner designed to further remove any debris or dirt from makeup, while keeping your natural hydration intact. Toners made with rose have been used for years because of their softening and plumping properties.
3. Lastly, you should preserve and protect your skin with a fast-absorbing moisturizer. Look for plant-based products made with botanical extracts like aloe and hemp oil that help bind water to to your skin naturally.

*Stress-free morning routine tip: While you go through your morning routine, focus on taking five deep breaths. Inhale to the count of four and exhale to the count of six. This will help you focus on the day ahead.

There are other steps that can be added here, but these are the tried and true building blocks for healthy, glowing skin. The good news? It doesn’t have to be a 15-step process that takes over an hour…who has time for that? (Definitely not Oprah!) Some doctors even agree that too many products and steps can do more harm than good, leaving your skin irritated and overworked.

Take it One Step at a Time

Building a media empire doesn’t happen overnight - and neither does starting a new habit. It takes time to develop a new habit (66 days to be exact) - so have patience! A morning routine with fewer steps and a plant-based facial moisturizer will help you start your day off in the right mindset - ready to walk the path of success with cool, calm confidence.

References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6378489/
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/beauty/skincare/a33008631/skincare-routine-reduce-stress/

 

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Brown rice has been around for thousands of years and is now a popular ingredient in healthy cat and dog foods.

Brown rice has gotten a bad rap in recent years - and we won’t stand for people picking on our little, grainy friend anymore! We’re here to set the record straight on this superfood and how it can benefit your pets. Brown rice provides plenty of research-backed benefits and, when included in your cat food or dog food, is a healthy source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

But there’s some concern among pet owners and vets about certain grains in pet foods. And really, it’s no surprise - it’s common knowledge that low-quality grains can be used as cheap filler. It’s possible to skimp on quality just to add bulk to recipes - unhealthy bulk.

So let’s be fair in setting this record straight…there are valid concerns with some types of grains, but brown rice can be a strong player in your pet’s daily diet and overall health. In this article, you’ll learn about the more problematic grains in pet foods and why brown rice is the ultimate winner in the grain game!

Corn, Wheat, and The Problems They Cause for Pets

Corn and wheat are two grains pet parents steer away from. Some people claim the issue with these all-too-common ingredients is their lower nutritional value compared to other ingredients, like protein - but that’s not the whole grain truth.

The main problem with highly-processed corn and wheat is they simply aren’t made to satisfy a primal meat eater. (Sorry, we don’t make the rules of nature - we just live by ‘em.)

And in some cases, a dog’s system will reject corn or wheat, and your pet may develop an allergy to them. Due to the reaction, their stomach can become irritated and digestive problems can arise.[1] In short, corn and wheat may cause a stinky mess to clean up.

Of even greater concern, corn made headlines in 2020 and 2021 for being the culprit in multiple recalls of kibble with health-threatening levels of mold.[2] This mold is so common it even has a name–aflatoxin, for all of you science nerds out there–so it’s understandable why you’d want to avoid feeding corn to your dog or cat.

While at times there are reasons for choosing a grain-free food for your dog or cat, generally speaking, brown rice can still be an important part of your pet’s diet. Just like you, our furry friends need a well-rounded diet with high quality proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. And one of the best carbs you can find in pet food is brown rice (no surprise there)!

Life’s Abundance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog Food is made with robust proteins and high-quality brown rice for a hearty meal that supports overall health.

5 Benefits of Brown Rice for Dogs and Cats

Brown rice is a whole grain rice. That means it has the bran and the germ still attached. These fiber-rich and nutrient-packed parts of brown rice make it the better grain choice in your pet’s food.

Brown rice is considered more nutritious than white rice - or corn for that matter! And here are five reasons why:

• It’s a complex carb and complex carbs burn slower than simple carbs, supporting your pet’s blood sugar levels for longer periods of time.
• It contains seven minerals and five essential B vitamins, promoting heart health and metabolism.
• It’s a natural source of fiber that aids digestion, maximizing nutrient absorption.
• It keeps your pets feeling fuller for longer, helping with weight management.
• It’s full of calcium and iron, contributing to healthy teeth and bones.

At Life’s Abundance, we add high-quality brown rice to our dog foods and cat foods so your pet gets all of the benefits above - plus you get the assurance your pet is eating wholesome nutrition made just for them.

As an extra layer of safety–to make extra sure you’re getting only the good stuff–we routinely test for hazards like arsenic in our foods. It’s something we take pretty seriously because we want your pet to live a long, happy, and healthy life by your side, for many years to come!

References:
www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-allergies-symptoms-treatment
www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/aflatoxin-poisoning-pets

 

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This iced berry matcha latte made with Life's Abundance Greens Blend is fruity, creamy, and oh-so-pretty. Made for warmer days and a nutrient-rich break outside.

“May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light. May good luck pursue you each morning and night.” - Old Irish Proverb

To celebrate the wisdom and quick wit of the Irish, we’ve come up with a fun, green drink for you to enjoy on this cultural celebration (no, it’s not green beer). The great thing about this iced matcha latte is you can use any fresh berry you like, and when mixed with our tasty Greens Blend, the result is an antioxidant-rich drink made for enjoying on your porch in the morning sun.

They say if you’re lucky enough to be Irish, then you’re lucky enough. But even if you’re not Irish, when you whip one of these up, you’ll feel nourished and lucky to have found a healthy treat you can indulge in.

To get those pretty clouds and swirls in your drink, add the ingredients to your glass one by one. But if you’re short on time, you can always put everything in a blender for a quick, frozen version of this matcha latte recipe. Luck of the Irish to you!

Ingredients

1/2 cup fresh berries
1 tsp. honey
1 cup hot water
1 tsp. scoop Life’s Abundance Greens Powder
1 tsp. matcha powder
1/2 cup preferred milk
1/2 cup ice, garnish

Instructions

1. Add the fresh berries and honey to a jar or bowl and crush them with a hard wire whisk or fork.
2. Pour the Greens Blend and matcha into a large heat-proof mug or jar and blend with a foamer for about 20 to 30 seconds. Let the mixture cool to room. (Blender method: You can also use a blender for 20 to 30 seconds, but be mindful if the liquid is hot.)
3. Add the berry mixture, ice, milk, and the cooled matcha mixture to a glass one by one to create a swirling effect.

The recipe features our Greens Blend, a mix of non-GMO, raw grasses, plus certified organic mushrooms that perfectly complements matcha. But honestly, there’s no grassy flavor here, outside of the natural flavors of matcha (which is meant to be a little floral and grass-like). This easy-to-use powder has a subtle berry flavor and provides with you with fantastic nutrition, while still tasting delicious.

 

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Giving your pets enough vitamins and minerals is possible with the help of pet supplements.

 

No matter how healthy a diet we try to maintain, it’s a challenge to get the right amount of vitamins and nutrients to keep ourselves in tip-top shape - and the same is true for our pets.

Even if you’re feeding your dog or cat a wholesome food that provides complete nutrition, there are still health-related needs that simply can’t be addressed with food alone.

This is where pet supplements come in. In order to keep your pet healthy, happy, and chasing after the frisbee for years to come, it’s often times necessary to add vitamins or supplements to their regular diet. Below, we share four common pet health concerns that supplements can help with.

Skin and Coat Issues

Are you taking some sort of hair and skin supplement? Well, now pets can too! Many cats and dogs suffer from seasonal skin and coat sensitivities. Harsh, winter weather can cause your pet’s skin to become:

• dry
• red
• itchy
• irritated

In the summer months, pets are also prone to rashes or frequent scratching due to higher temperatures and humidity. Ultimately, your furry friend’s coat suffers, too. If you notice that your beloved pet’s fur is dull, ragged, or patchy, they may need a supplement to support healthier growth in order to restore their coat to its glory days.

When searching for a hair and skin pet supplement you’ll find that while most supplements have Vitamin E, a more complete mix of important vitamins like A, C, B, and zinc, are ideal like in our Skin & Coat Formula.

A complete pet supplement supports all the systems involved with keeping an amazing mane. The right formula not only supports good oil production, but also boosts collagen development and assists the chemical processes for maintaining healthy skin.

Immune Health Function

When your immune system is low, you’re likely to catch a cold or something more severe, like a virus. And your pet’s immune system is no different. When a cat or dog’s immune system is compromised, they’re more susceptible to sickness, too. Without a strong defense, they experience illnesses ranging from generalized inflammation to diabetes - and even cancer.

A nutritionally complete pet food is a good first step in boosting immunity, but you can go the extra mile with pet supplements. Supplements made with powerful antioxidants are integral to building up the strong immune response your pet needs when an infection comes knocking.

Our Wellness Food Supplement combines a dozen healthy foods rich in important vitamins and minerals (plus guaranteed probiotics) that support an immune system so it’s ready to combat any bacteria or virus - all in a convenient, chewable tablet! Think of it as your dog’s multivitamin and an easy addition to their healthy to-do list.

Pet supplements made with high-quality vitamin E and zinc can support skin during allergy season.

Joint Health and Aging

When you try getting out of your chair, are your joints making louder sounds than before? Well, you’re not alone because your older pets have a higher risk for joint pain, too. Additionally, there are some breeds more prone to arthritis and other painful musculoskeletal diseases.

That’s why it’s important to give your four-legged friend’s joints a little extra love, in the form of a pet supplement. When searching for an effective supplement for pet joint health, look for ingredients like:

• Glucosamine
• MSM
• sea mussels
• hyaluronic acid

Our Agility Formula includes all of these, plus a carefully selected combination of additional ingredients that support your pet’s entire musculoskeletal system. Getting up from their favorite spot on the couch will now be easier with the help of a pet supplement made to keep them zooming around freely and comfortably.

Daily Nutritional Support

Fish oil is probably known best for its brain benefits (thank you, Omega-3s!), but it’s a perfect supplement for daily nutritional support, too. The natural fats that come from fish oil are proven to support:

• proper development of the eyes, brain, and reproductive cells
• optimal immune and endocrine system functioning
• heart health
• better lung health

The problem with some fish oil pet supplements is that they don’t have an effective balance of the right oils. When looking for a capsule or liquid fish oil supplement, you want it to be the optimal formulation to ensure your pet is getting what they need from fish oil.

Our Fish Oil for Pets contains at least 30% EPA and DHA, the ideal concentration for your dog or cat’s overall wellness. You should also look for one in triglyceride form with no added flavors. This makes it easier to absorb in your pet’s stomach and the natural taste is a true pet-pleaser!

 

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Natural skincare products made with pure, organic, and plant-derived ingredients is the foundation of a clean and effective routine.

 

As an adult, you care about what goes into your body - and onto your body, particularly your skin. And why shouldn’t you? You deserve the best! So it makes sense you seek out plant-based skincare. You want to feel good about what you're putting on your skin.

There's only one problem…you have all these great skincare products to choose from, but don't know where to start when it comes to applying them (much less in what order).

This is a common dilemma–too many products. Then overwhelm sets in, knocking your beauty routine out of whack–but the beauty influencers, bloggers, and makeup artists make it look so easy!

The internet is flooded with advice on the best natural skincare products and how to use them. But most products out there are filled with chemicals, preservatives, or harsh additives. This makes finding the good ones a scavenger hunt, leading you to an embarrassing amount of expensive, unused products sitting in your bathroom cabinet.

But there's a simpler, cleaner way to get the glowing results you want from your skincare routine. Yes, you can have:

• Hydrated skin
• Smoother skin
• Even skin tone
• Smaller-looking pores

All without a long list of ingredients you can't pronounce. Here is where your new skincare routine comes in. Let's dive into how to clean up your easy skincare routine and build a solid foundation for an effective and natural skincare routine.

Wake up every day with softer, smoother skin with products created from antioxidant-rich formulas.

 

5 Steps For an Easy, Natural Skincare Routine

When it comes to what you put on your skin, most dermatologists agree: less is more. The general rule of thumb is to apply your products from lightest to heaviest.

Layer your natural skincare products in this order to achieve the skin you want:

1. Cleanser: Set the stage with a gentle, plant-based skincare product to help remove oil and dirt. No parabens allowed here. You want to clean your skin, not make it dirtier!
2. Toner: Clean a little deeper with a toner. It helps further prime your skin by removing any leftover makeup or impurities your cleanser didn’t get. Regular toning helps brighten the skin and provides light hydration.
3. Serum: Renew your glow with an antioxidant-rich serum that rejuvenates your skin. Pack an extra, potent punch with concentrated formulas made with Vitamin A and botanical emollients that act as nature’s retinol.
4. Moisturizer: Hydration is key—and a plant-derived moisturizer made with organic ingredients delivers just that. Moisturizer made with hemp and olive oil binds water deep into your skin, giving you all-day moisture and smoother skin.
5. Sunscreen/SPF: Protect and preserve your skin by keeping those UV rays at bay! Sun damage leads to wrinkles and spots. Keep your skin safe with daily SPF sunscreen.

If you're feeling #extra, exfoliate 1-2 times a week, as needed. An all-natural scrub and mask replenishes dull skin tones and this additional TLC brings life back to your skin. Masks are just fun, too! Look for products with ingredients like oats and hibiscus that soothe and cool.

And that’s it! In the end, the best advice out there is don’t overthink it. With our natural skincare products and the steps above, the natural glow you want is possible in just a few minutes a day. You can have the same results you see online - with fewer products and more beneficial ingredients from Life's Abundance.

 

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Our food is made with healthy fiber for improved digestion and elimination.

 

If there’s one thing that unites all pet owners, it’s poop. It’s unavoidable, and honestly, it can be downright gross. But simple changes to your pet’s diet can make this daily endeavor more tolerable. Feeding your furry friend a healthy dog food or healthy cat food with a focus on gut health is the first step in firming up your pet’s stool. At Life’s Abundance, we offer fiber-rich, premium pet food making messy pick-ups a thing of the past.

The Downside of Being a Pet Owner

1. If you’re a dog or cat owner, you’ve no doubt been in one of these two situations:
   You’re out walking your dog with plastic baggies in hand. And you’re hoping that whatever “present” your pet leaves behind is odorless, solid, and fits the one bag you brought. But how often are you hoping that’s the case? And it isn’t.
   
   OR
   
   
2. You’re good about cleaning your home, but there’s one corner of the house that is never truly clean (through no fault of your own)–your cat’s litter box. It’s extra challenging when they leave behind runny or soft poop - and a deep clean isn’t something you have time for right now.

Sound familiar?

Cleaning up after your pets isn’t the most glamorous part of living with pets but, of course, it’s necessary–and you do it because you love them. We love pets too, and that’s why we make premium pet food for a nutritious diet. With the right ingredients, your dog or cat’s bathroom business will be healthier, easier to pass, and easier to manage when it comes time to clean up after them.

Dogs need a good source of fiber and regular exercise to optimize their potty breaks.

 

How can I make my pet’s poop healthy?

Life’s Abundance proprietary fiber blend, Firmtastic™, uses natural, plant-based ingredients, to promote good bacteria in your pet’s digestive tract.

Think of Firmtastic™ as your pet’s partner in the gut. With Firmtastic™ your pet receives nourishing ingredients that friendly bacteria love. In return, when the food reaches the digestive system, the happy bacteria help the body absorb and metabolize nutrients that would otherwise go to waste - literally.

Because the role fiber plays is so critical to your pet’s health, we’re adding this proprietary fiber blend to our treats, too. From meal time to snack time, your pet can enjoy consistent fiber intake (especially beneficial for our furry friends with sensitive stomachs).

Why is it important for my dog or cat to have a healthy gut?

Science shows the key to overall wellness starts in your pet’s stomach.[1] The gut is home to important bacteria that controls critical processes in your pet like:

• Digestion
• Immune health
• Mood
• Overall satisfaction

So the next time you dispose of your pet’s “special package” think about this - the poop you’re holding can actually tell you a lot about the quality of the food or treats your pet is consuming, and how their body is responding to them.

Think about it this way–if you had to choose between picking up a firm poop with little to no odor versus the alternative, which would you choose?

With the help of Firmtastic™ in our healthy dog food and healthy cat food, picking up after your pet will never be the same - in a good way. They’ll be healthier and you’ll be happier.

Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3337124/

 

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Whip up these simple and healthy Valentine’s Day chocolate treats.

Nothing says Valentine’s Day like chocolate, so what better way to show your loved ones how much you care than by whipping up healthy chocolate treats?

These chocolate truffles are rich, fudgy, and protein packed. Soaking the dates in boiling water is an essential step and it will help soften them. Both cacao and cocoa powder work in this recipe, and you can use 100% cacao chocolate chips, if you’re avoiding refined sugar.

They can get a little sticky, so use a small ice cream scoop to shape the truffles into balls, or you can get a little crazy and just scoop some up with your hands and form a ball. You can place them on parchment paper to help with clean up or place the truffles directly on a plate.

These delicious tokens of love can be stored in the fridge for one week or kept frozen for up to one month - but we doubt they’ll even make it to the freezer!

Makes about 20 truffles

These rich and fudgy treats are packed with protein and irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dates, pitted, soaked (about 20 dates)

• 2 cups ground almond flour

• 1 scoop Life’s Abundance Chocolate Protein Powder

• 1/4 cup cacao powder

• 2 tsp. vanilla extract

• 1/4 tsp. fine sea salt

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips

• 1/2 cup boiling water

 

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, soak the dates in just enough boiling water to cover them (about 1 cup of water). Soak for five minutes and then drain them, reserving 1/2 cup of water.
   
   
2. Add the almond flour, dates, Life’s Abundance Chocolate Protein Powder, cacao powder, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt to a food processor and process until it forms a cookie dough–like texture (about 30-60 seconds). Mix in the chocolate chips.
   
   
3. Scoop the batter into balls, being careful of the blade in the food processor. Place balls on a lined rim baking sheet with parchment paper or on a clean plate.
   
   
4. Add one scoop of Life’s Abundance Chocolate Protein powder to a small bowl. Gently roll the balls into the chocolate protein powder to coat them. Reuse leftover chocolate protein powder in your recipes.

Please note: This tasty treat is intended for human consumption only. This recipe contains chocolate and chocolate is highly toxic to pets. Keep chocolate products out of reach from your pets at all times.

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Maintaining your pet's dental health is key to a longer, healthier and happier life for them.

Dental care is just as important for our furry family members as it is for us. However, keeping your pet’s smile healthy and bright isn’t quite as simple as taking care of your own pearly whites.

Our four-legged friends don’t have the ability to clean their own teeth, and, as you’ve probably noticed, they don’t love you poking around in there either. Because pets can be prone to painful or even life-threatening dental disease, it’s important to consider setting up cat or dog teeth cleaning appointments with your vet.

How do pet dental cleanings work?

To clean a dog or cat’s teeth, they’re usually put under general anesthesia at the vet’s office or animal hospital. This is necessary both to keep the vet’s hands safe as they work inside your pet’s mouth, and to keep your best pal comfortable as the vet scrapes at and cleans the teeth both above and below the gum line.

While this may seem like a big procedure, it’s important to remove plaque and germs to avoid gingivitis, infected teeth, and other dental conditions that can become serious. Luckily, most cat and dog teeth cleanings are recommended only once per year. In between, you can take a proactive role in keeping their mouth healthy.

Home tooth brushing

You can most certainly brush your dog or cat’s teeth without employing general anesthesia to get the job done. There are several different sizes and styles of pet toothbrushes available on the market, and you can choose the one that makes the most sense for your family, based on the size and temperament of your favorite fluffball. From large toothbrushes with 360-degree heads and long handles, to brushing thimbles that fit on your finger, there’s something for every size and breed.

And don’t forget toothpaste! Far from the traditional mint flavor varieties that we humans, enjoy, dog and cat toothpaste comes in flavors such as cheddar, peanut butter and vanilla. Find a flavor your pet really loves, so that brushing time feels like a treat.

Most cat and dog teeth cleanings are recommended only once per year.

Treats that do the trick

Finally, you can trick your pet into cleaning their own teeth. How? With treats. There are many different types of treats that work to clean teeth and freshen breath.

Some treats, like our Porky Puffs, help to scrape food and plaque off of teeth as your dog chews on them. Plus, they’re safer and tastier than rawhide. Similarly, our Premium Cow Ears are gentle on tummies, while being tough on plaque.

Another dog favorite that gets the job done is our Water Buffalo Bully Sticks. Sold in a pack, these meaty, healthy sticks provide a satisfying chewing experience while maintaining your dog’s dental health by helping to reduce tartar.

Finally, sometimes you just need a treat specifically created with dental health in mind, like our Gourmet Dental Treats. With treats like these, your dog gets to eat something delicious (ours are honey and peanut butter flavored), and you get to rest easy knowing they’re providing your precious pooch with nutrients like calcium and phosphorus that are essential to bone and tooth health.

Our pets keep us smiling. The least we can do is take care of their smiles, so that they can stay happy and healthy for years to come.

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Valentine's Day is a great time to shown your skin the love it deserves.

Valentine's Day is a day of expressing love for those you appreciate in your life - but while you’re at it take this time to pamper yourself and show your skin some love too. Here are a few tips that will make you feel confident and help you glow from head-to-toe.

Start off with a clean slate by giving your skin a thorough cleansing. Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. This will prepare your skin to better absorb any products you use afterwards and ensure that you're not clogging your pores.

Next, it’s time to exfoliate! Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and reveals a brighter, smoother complexion. This Hibiscus Mask & Scrub is a great 2-in-1 product that was designed to both exfoliate and nourish the skin. You can either gently massage into your skin and rinse or, if you have a little extra time, leave it on for 10-15 minutes to give your skin a more potent dose of antioxidants and vitamins to combat environmental stresses. Suitable for all skin types, your skin will feel softer, smoother, and look more radiant.

Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and reveals a brighter, smoother complexion.

After your mask, it's time to apply your other favorite skin care products. This includes serum and moisturizer. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, using these products can help target these problem areas. Look for a serum with a blend of antioxidants, plant extracts, and essential oils, which are said to help improve the appearance of the skin. After applying a few drops, follow up with a hydrating moisturizer. This is especially important for those of us with drier skin.

Show your body some love too. Your skin care doesn't need to stop at your face. Give yourself a full-body treatment and show it the love it deserves. Finish up your day of self care by applying a delicate body lotion that will leave you feeling soft and hydrated. Pay special attention to areas like your elbows, knees, and heels, which tend to be drier.

Life gets busy, making it hard to take care of your skin on a daily basis but Valentine's Day is a great time to show your skin some extra love and attention. By cleansing, exfoliating, hydrating, and using the right products for your skin type and concerns, you can achieve a glowing, healthy complexion. With these tips, you'll be ready to celebrate Valentine's Day feeling confident and beautiful.

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